You can now get a decent garden spa for under £500 — or spend £15,000 on a premium built-in. This guide covers realistic options, running costs, and what manufacturers don't tell you.
Types of Outdoor Hot Tub
Inflatable hot tubs (£300-800)
Cheapest, easy setup, higher running costs due to poor insulation, 3-5 year lifespan
Rotomoulded hard shell (£1,500-5,000)
Best value, good insulation, 10+ year lifespan
Acrylic premium (£5,000-20,000+)
Best jets and insulation, longest lifespan
| Type | Price Range | Running Cost/Month | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Rotomoulded ⭐ | £1,499-2,999 | £30-50 | 10+ years |
| Lay-Z-Spa Helsinki | £799 | £60-80 | 4-6 years |
| Canadian Spa | £3,999-6,999 | £25-40 | 12+ years |
| Jacuzzi J-245 | £8,000+ | £20-35 | 15+ years |
UK Running Costs — Honest Numbers
- Electricity at 28p/kWh is the key variable
- Well-insulated hard shell at 38°C: ~£30-50/month
- Inflatable at 40°C in winter: £80-120/month (poor insulation)
- Thermal cover is the single biggest factor — never skip it
- Economy 7 tariff can cut running costs by 40% heating overnight
Installation tip: You need a level surface rated for 1.5-2 tonnes when filled. Reinforced decking or concrete base essential.
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Best value hard-shell hot tubs — from £1,499
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Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated April 2026.